Director of Operations (Prometheus)

Job DescriptionPrometheus Energetics LLC is seeking a Director of Operations to lead the start-up, activation, and operational of its new Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) manufacturing facility in the Bloomfield, Indiana area.Prometheus Energetics is a new U.S.-based joint venture and merchant supplier of solid rocket motors, energetics, and adjacent propulsion products for U.S. and international defense markets. The Director of Operations will play a critical role in transitioning the site from construction completion through equipment installation, process qualification, first article production, and full-rate manufacturing.This position is responsible for building the operational organization from the ground up, developing production systems and processes, and establishing a high-performance culture centered on safety, quality, schedule, and cost execution. The Director of Operations will lead all manufacturing, production planning, facilities operations, and shop-floor support functions, ensuring the factory is purpose-built for scale, reliability, and mission assurance.This role reports to the Chief Operating Officer.Responsibilities:Plant Start-Up & Operational Stand-UpLead all aspects of factory activation including equipment installation, commissioning, validation, and process qualificationDevelop and execute the operational ramp-up plan from first builds through full-rate productionEstablish manufacturing readiness milestones, KPIs, and production metricsDrive knowledge transfer from parent companies and external partners into documented, repeatable manufacturing processesEnsure manufacturing processes meet AS9100, DoD, ATF, OSHA, and applicable energetic material handling standardsPartner with Engineering to transition from development to stable productionOrganizational Build-Out & LeadershipBuild the operations organization from initial leadership hires through full production staffingRecruit, hire, and develop high-caliber manufacturing leaders, supervisors, planners, and techniciansEstablish training and certification programs for Operations personnelDevelop cross-training programs to build workforce flexibility and production resilienceCreate a culture of accountability, ownership, and mission focus across all shifts and functionsImplement clear communication rhythms and performance expectations at all levelsManufacturing & Production ExecutionDirect all production-related activities including motor case preparation, insulating, lining, propellant processing, casting, cure, assembly, and final integration (as applicable to facility scope)Oversee Production Planning & Control, Master Scheduling, and material flowEnsure on-time delivery commitments to Prime, U.S. Government, and international customersDrive cost control, labor efficiency, and throughput optimizationLead daily operations reviews focused on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and CostOperational Systems & Continuous ImprovementFacilitate implementation and/or optimization of ERP systems, manufacturing execution systems, and warehouse management processesDevelop standard work, visual management systems, and structured production control processesImplement Lean manufacturing principles to eliminate waste and improve flowEstablish factory performance dashboards and metrics reporting to executive leadership and Board stakeholdersDrive continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, cycle time, and quality performanceSafety, Quality & ComplianceEnsure strict adherence to all safety standards related to energetics and explosive materialsPartner with Safety & Security leadership to maintain full regulatory complianceEnsure compliance with AS9100 quality management systems and customer requirementsMaintain audit readiness for customer, regulatory, and government inspectionsChampion a safety first cultureExecutive & Stakeholder EngagementProvide regular operational readiness updates to executive leadership, JV partners, and the Board of DirectorsSupport customer engagements, production readiness reviews, and government auditsContribute to long-range capacity planning and capital investment strategiesExperience And SkillsQualifications:20+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, energetics, propulsion, or highly regulated manufacturing environmentsDemonstrated experience leading plant start-up, greenfield factory activation, or major production ramp programs5+ years of direct leadership experience managing multi-level manufacturing organizationsStrong knowledge of ERP systems, production planning, and inventory control systemsDeep understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence methodologiesExperience operating under AS9100 or similar and government contract compliance environmentsProven ability to build and scale operational teams in a fast-paced start-up environmentStrong decision-making and problem-solving capabilitiesHigh integrity leadership style with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organizationAbility to obtain and maintain a security clearanceMust be a U.S. Citizen due to the nature of the workEducation and Experience:Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field requiredAdvanced degree (MBA or technical MS) preferredExperience in solid rocket motor manufacturing, energetics production, or propulsion systems highly desiredWork Environment:Office, manufacturing, and energetic processing environmentsAbility to stand and walk production floors for extended periodsAbility to work in hazardous material environments with appropriate PPEAbility to lift up to 25 poundsLocation:Bloomfield, Indiana area Travel Required:Occasional domestic and international travel as requiredJob BenefitsMedical, Dental & Vision Insurance CoverageLife/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance401(k) Savings PlanEmployee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)Paid Time-Off (PTO)HolidaysEducation Reimbursement Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.EEO Is The LawDisability Accessibility AccommodationIf you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.Pay TransparencyThe company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.Job Applicant Privacy NoticeFor applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.